Take your kids on a Santa-spotting spree this weekend when he'll appear at events from Breakfast with Santa at Marple Presbyterian to Edgmont Country Club's Holiday Delights craft fair. Or, put thoughts of Santa and gift-giving totally out of your head by spending an afternoon creating an evergreen hanging basket at Mostardi's or dancing the night away with the Delaware Valley Dance Society. See all of Patch's top picks for this weekend below.
Patch's Best Bets for the Week
Where/When: Marple Presbyterian Church from 8:30 to 11 a.m. on Saturday.
Why Go: The only thing better than a community pancake breakfast is one where Santa is the guest of honor. Pack the whole family into the car first thing in the morning and head over, and don't forget the camera.
Pricing: $5 per adult, $3 children ages 3-12, under 3 free.
MAKE-AND-TAKE WINTER HANGING BASKET
Where/When: Mostardi Nursery from 10:30 a.m. to noon on Saturday and from 1:30 to 3 p.m. on Sunday.
Why Go: Create a beautiful hanging basket filled with mixed evergreens that will provide outdoor beauty during the holiday season and beyond. Registration fee includes evergreens, cocoa-moss, wire basket, berries, cones and everything you need to design your creation. Just bring your own hand shears and gloves.
Pricing: $39, class size is limited so register early.
HOLIDAY DELIGHTS CRAFT FAIR
Where/When: Edgmont Country Club from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday.
Why Go: Browse one-of-a-kind gifts from over 25 vendors and crafters while the kids enjoy doing their own make-and-take crafts. Stick around for sleigh rides and visits with Santa himself.
Pricing: Free admission.
GINGERBREAD HOUSE DECORATION
Where/When: Newtown Public Library from noon to 2 p.m. on Saturday.
Why Go: The hardworking library staff takes care of set-up and clean-up, leaving you with the simple delight of decorating gingerbread houses with the kids. Take advantage of this great tradition for children of most ages where sampling is the best part. Best for ages 2 & up with an adult.
Pricing: Free, registration required.
Where/When: The 1696 Thomas Massey House from 1 to 4 p.m. on Saturday.
Why Go: Learn how the Colonial settlers celebrated Christmas, and see each room of the house decorated to demonstrate their Christmas traditions. Plus, sample tastes and special treats that were part of each celebration. Don't miss a tour of this historic house and a trip to the well-appointed gift shop.
Pricing: Free.
HOLIDAY DANCE PARTY
Where/When: Felinton Hall at Beth El-Ner Tamid Congregation from 7 to 11 p.m. on Saturday.
Why Go: Celebrate the holidays in style with the Delaware Valley Dance Society at the beautiful ballroom in Broomall. The evening will begin with a Waltz dance lesson, followed by great music and social dancing. Dress to impress. Invite your friends - the more the merrier.
Pricing: $12 per person.
2ND SATURDAY ARTS STROLL
Where/When: Downtown Media from 6 to 9 p.m. on Saturday.
Why Go: Stroll the streets of Media and enjoy art, live music and evening shopping. This Saturday features family friendly events ranging from a visit to Santa's village at Franklin Mint Federal Credit Union to family karaoke at Front Street Fountain. Or make it a girls night or date night and be sure to catch the 20 percent off all holiday items at Blueberry Bog, the free tango jam at Sangha Space or the evening of holiday songs performed by expert Theramin and Musical Saw player Kip Rosser at Delaware County Institute of Science. Stop for live music throughout the evening at 12 locations along State Street.
Pricing: Free.
CAROLING HAYRIDES
Where/When: Linvilla Orchards at 5 and 6:30 p.m. on Saturday.
Why Go: Celebrate the ancient tradition of Wassailing and sing Christmas carols around a campfire after a lively hayride through the fields and orchards. Afterward, roast marshmallows and enjoy delicious apple cider. Consider getting there early to cut your own Christmas tree.
Pricing: Free.